I remember that Guga Kuerten never did well at the AO. His best result was the 3rd round - once. He also lost in the second round 5 times, and the 1st round twice. Yet, he made the Wimbledon QFs (once) and the USO QFs (twice). Not to mention he won the indoor year end championships.

You would think Rebound Ace would have been the best surface for him other than clay. But, it may simply be that some players aren't ready at the beginning of the year, or maybe a combination of bad play, unfavorable matchups.